Protesters Rally in Jerusalem Over Building Moratorium

Posted on Dec 9, 2009

Thousands of demonstrators rallied in Jerusalem, converging near the home of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to protest his recent announcement of a 10-month moratorium on approving permits for new settlement homes in the West Bank, according to the BBC. —KA

BBC:

Jewish settlers have been angered by the moratorium, ordered by Mr Netanyahu’s right-leaning government, ordinarily supportive of settlement activity in the West Bank.

Nearly 500,000 Jews live in more than 100 settlements built on occupied territory in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

Settlement building in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, is illegal under international law - although Israel disputes this.

Meanwhile, Israeli anti-settlement movement Peace Now says more homes are under construction per inhabitant in the West Bank than inside Israel despite the recent curbs.